Florida Alimony Estimator
Based on Florida Statutes ยง 61.08 (2023/2024 Reform Laws)
Estimation Results
Note: Florida does not have a "formulaic" alimony law like child support. This tool uses the 35% difference cap and 2023 statutory duration limits as a guideline for Durational Alimony.
Understanding Alimony in Florida (2024 Update)
Calculating alimony in Florida changed significantly on July 1, 2023, when Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1416 into law. This reform effectively eliminated "Permanent Periodic Alimony" and established clearer guidelines for the duration and amount of support based on the length of the marriage.
How Marriage Length is Classified
In Florida, the "length of marriage" is calculated from the date of the marriage to the date of filing the petition for dissolution. The new statutes define marriages as follows:
- Short-Term Marriage: Less than 10 years.
- Moderate-Term Marriage: Between 10 and 20 years.
- Long-Term Marriage: 20 years or longer.
The "Need and Ability" Test
Before any calculation occurs, a Florida court must first make a factual determination as to whether one party has a legal need for alimony and whether the other party has the ability to pay. If need and ability are established, the court then looks at the "rebuttable presumption" that the amount should not exceed 35% of the difference between the parties' monthly gross incomes.
Duration Limits Under the New Law
Except in exceptional circumstances, durational alimony may not be awarded for a period exceeding:
- 50% of the length of a short-term marriage.
- 60% of the length of a moderate-term marriage.
- 75% of the length of a long-term marriage.
Calculation Example
If a couple was married for 15 years (Moderate-Term), and the Payor earns $10,000 per month while the Payee earns $2,000 per month:
- Income Difference: $8,000
- Max Monthly Alimony (35% Cap): $2,800
- Max Duration (60% of 15 years): 9 years
Types of Alimony Still Available
While permanent alimony is gone, four types remain in Florida:
- Bridge-the-Gap: To assist with short-term needs (maximum 2 years).
- Rehabilitative: To help a spouse become self-sufficient through education or training (maximum 5 years).
- Durational: To provide economic assistance for a set period.
- Temporary: Awarded during the divorce proceedings.